Staten Island bakers to square off in cake competition

A red velvet cake competition tomorrow will pit home bakers against each other, as well as some pros from local bakeries and restaurants.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Other than chocolates, could there be any other sweet that sings more of Valentine’s Day than a red velvet cake?

Not according to the organizers of a taste-off to take place tomorrow at the newly named Art Haus New York, a new artists’ cooperative. Formerly known as Casterbridge Fair, the space at 143 Beach St., Stapleton, will be open to the public for a competition that pits home bakers against each other, as well as some pros from local bakeries and restaurants.

Judging the entries will be a team of three — former Advance food editor Jane Milza; Silva Popaz, long-time owner of Vida restaurant, just around the corner at 381 Van Duzer St., and aficionado Larry Anderson.

The owners of Wine Life, nearby at 386 Van Duzer St., will provide liquid refreshment to guests and competitors. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event is expected to close out between 8 and 9 p.m.